Think J. K. Rowling deserves a Nobel Prize? So does he, and I am actually beginning to think this is a damn good idea. I scoffed when someone told me about this a couple days ago, but the more I look at this guy's site and his reasons why, the more I like his idea. A lot. Enough that I might write a column about it, but definitely enough that I'm going to send a letter to Sweden.
Because when you really think about it, there are some pretty diverse reasons that are listed for past winners. There is no reason why that relatively broad range couldn't include something like, say, "for her vivid, imaginative storytelling and her unmatched contributions to the literary lives of millions of readers worldwide." As much as I love the books, I don't think that Rowling will win any prizes based on the sheer skill of her writing. But most of the others aren't honored for the sheer skill of their writing either, and Rowling has contributed a LOT more to literature this year than anyone else that comes to mind -- she's probably contributed more than anyone in the last 10 or 20 years. I definitely think her accomplishments rank on the level of, say, 1956's Nobel winner, Halldor Kiljan Laxness, "for his vivid epic power which has renewed the great narrative art of Iceland."
Also, I love this kind of grassroots internet stuff. I think it's the only kind of activism I believe in these days, and it's fun to see its potential power when people start paying attention. Let's do it. No slight to Halldor intended, seriously, but I think Jo should stand a chance.
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